National Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Used to leading off, Ichiro Suzuki got antsy when he had to wait. Considered a no-doubt pick for baseball's Hall of Fame and possibly the second unanimous selection, he waited by the phone for the expected call Tuesday.

DURHAM — Canadian goalkeeper Rylee Foster, previously with Liverpool and Everton, has signed with Durham Women FC in England's second-tier FA Championship. The 26-year-old from Cambridge, Ont.

Forge FC has signed former Halifax Wanderers defender Daniel Nimick to a multi-year contract. The 24-year-old spent the last two years in Halifax colours, making 54 appearances in all competitions with 15 goals and six assists.

Liverpool became the first team to guarantee a place in the last 16 of the new Champions League format by beating Lille 2-1 on Tuesday, while Barcelona fought back from two goals down to stun Benfica 5-4 in a thriller.

CALGARY — The 25 Canadian women tasked with closing out hockey's Rivalry Series with the United States were announced Tuesday. Canada carries a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series into Halifax on Feb. 6 and Summerside, Prince Edward Island on Feb. 8.

TORONTO — Montreal defender Erin Ambrose, Victoire forward Abby Boreen and Minnesota Frost forward Kendall Coyne Schofield have been named the Professional Women’s Hockey League's three stars of the week.

VANCOUVER — Bo Lokombo is calling it a career. The B.C. Lions veteran Canadian linebacker announced his retirement Tuesday.

OTTAWA — Giovanni Guidetti has been named the new head coach of the Canadian women's volleyball team, Volleyball Canada announced Tuesday. The 52-year-old Italian has been the head coach of Turkish club Vakifbank Spor Kulubu since 2008.

Newly signed to Ottawa Rapid FC, former Swedish youth international Mollie Eriksson is looking to help build the Northern Super League from the ground up.

LONDON, Ont. — More legal arguments are expected next week in the sexual assault case of five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team as they prepare to face trial this spring.